WE CAN’T AFFORD NOT TO……

The economic cost to Australia of not responding effectively to mental illness is much greater than the cost of well-targeted investment. Mental illness is a critical social policy issue. Like the National Disability Insurance Scheme, which was recommended by the Productivity Commission as a long-term investment in a more productive society, comprehensive supports for people dealing with mental illness, especially severe mental illness, will greatly reduce costs, including avoidable hospitalisation and multiple other medical and social security costs.